Australian families trust our early educators with the thing that is most precious – their young Australians. And we know that it makes such an enormous difference to them, but it also makes an enormous difference to our economy by increasing workforce participation and making a difference so that people can fully participate in the workforce. We know that these early educators do an amazing job, and they deserve our thanks, but they also deserve a decent wage. Which is why my Government will increase their wages by 15 per cent. 10 per cent this December, and then 5 per cent the following December. That represents more than a $150 a week increase in the wages of these early educators, making an enormous difference for them and their standard of living, but also showing them how much they’re valued.
JOURNALIST: Speaking of important workers, are concerned what a split from the ACTU could mean for workers?
PRIME MINISTER: I think that we know that overwhelmingly, trade unions do an incredible job, and we have every respect for workers, including, of course, in the construction industry, they keep us going. But John Setka doesn’t represent the interests of workers, and we will continue to oppose any corruption or inappropriate activity that undermines the trade union movement.
JOURNALIST: Have you had any reassurances from union heads about this possible split?
PRIME MINISTER: Overwhelmingly, what trade unions are doing is getting on with their job of representing working people each and every day.
JOURNALIST: Have any concern about the thought they’d vote Green, back in Green?
PRIME MINISTER: What we’ll do is represent the interests of working people. Working people have an interest in having unions that operate properly. That’s overwhelmingly what the trade union movement does. Making a difference. The trade union movement have fought hard for workers like the women, overwhelmingly women, in the childcare sector. Making a difference for them each and every day. Thank you.
